Click it or Ticket

None | 06/26/04 | self

[Dan from Michigan]

Years ago when Michigan first instituted the seatbelt law, it was only supposed to be a secondary offence. Now it's primary. Not only that, they have "enforcement zones".

It's pathetic. National petitions won't work, but state level ones might as these are all state laws.

[Dan from Michigan]

Driving throughout Colorado, New Mexico and even in a small rural town Kansas, this is a high priority with state patrol and city police.

Budget troubles means more tickets which means more $$$$$$

[rwfromkansas]

Perhaps I would be more willing to respect your authority if I would see most cops wearing their own seatbelts, using turn signals, and not speeding.

Alas, it is rare to see one actually obeying the laws he is supposed to protect.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>But, I still disagree with you that the govt. has the right to force people to protect themselves.

The government is not forcing you to do anything, they're just sanctioning those who choose not to.

You're still free not to wear a seat belt - just be prepared to deal with the consequences - and don't blame anyone else for your freely made choice.

[rwfromkansas]

Agreed. I think I will try to remember to stick it on every time I leave the house, even for short trips. It is easy to forget when in a hurry.

Anyway..I think that is enough of this thread. lol

[Dan from Michigan]

A recent "click it or ticket" campaign locally involved over 8 vehicles in a mile stretch with 6 lined up like keystone cops licking their chops. The concept of "protect and serve" is history

I saw that too. Grand River in East Lansing.

[Balding_Eagle]

When I first saw "Click it or Ticket" on the lighted information sign along I-25 my hair stood on end. I thought for a moment that I had ended up driving along Hilters WWII Autobahn.

[microgood]

Yes, it does - it endangers our wallet - in the form of higher insurance costs, and the other social costs inflicted upon society for someones exercise of free will.

Exercise of our free will is more important that social costs inflicted upon society for someones exercise of free will. Based on your logic you could outlaw any human activity that has any risk at all, i.e. all human activity. If you want safety over freedom you do not belong in this country. May I suggest China.

[gorush]

Motorcyclists aren't required to wear seatbelts, heck, they're not even required equipment...what do you propose that the state do about that?

[pageonetoo]

Spoken like a true patriot...

You are damned right, it is about ME! I have pots and windows in four states, pay way too damn much for insurance, and am sick and tired of you whiny liberals complaining about the "common good", and your insurance going up...

In case you haven't read them, the founding documents are available online at a variety of sources. You may go to the federalist.. for one.

They guarantee every man life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. and they promised a chicken in every pot (oops, that was another politician)

[Jalapeno]

He is much more eloquent that I...

Yes, and equally as unpersuasive in regards to seat belt laws.

[pageonetoo]

is...

[pageonetoo]

excuse me...what "Is" is...

[Uncle Meat]

What's the fine in Iowa these days?$150.At least that's what my brother told me last time I was there.Tell me that isn't steep when most states have $10-25 fine.You don't think that's steep?Of course there's not a lot af action going on there and the cops don't have nothing better to do than go for the nit picky things to stop a driver for.

[pageonetoo]

I am proclaiming my displeasure, and adking how many others feel the same way. I do not think it necessary to 'persuade' others, about this infringement.

As previously stated, I wear my belts, but do not do so because of the gum't... I started the practice early, when learning to fly airplanes. You don't leave the ground without it, and nowadays , we see folk walking away from crashes.

But, it is not the role of gum't, unless you allow them to be your nanny! I resent these laws! They are not in keeping with our founders wishes!

Read the 4th Amendment, to the Constitution... it says: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

I don't see much room there for "click it or ticket"! To me, if you stop me to look at my lap, you have violated that! But then, I always did take things literally. I even believe the Bible is true!

[doberville]

Thanks for the chuckle.

[Keith in Iowa]

I'm saying if you choose not to wear a seat belt, that is your choice - but you should be responsible for the consequences of your choice, not the rest of us. If you get in a wreck, you should bear the burden of the cost your actions. It's all about personal responsibility. Apparently, you don't want to take any.

[microgood]

I'm saying if you choose not to wear a seat belt, that is your choice - but you should be responsible for the consequences of your choice, not the rest of us. If you get in a wreck, you should bear the burden of the cost your actions. It's all about personal responsibility. Apparently, you don't want to take any.

We all do stupid things. That is why we have insurance. What you are saying is that there is a hierarchy of stupidity, that not wearing seatbelts is higher on the stupidity chain than not paying attention and running into the back of someone. If we do that this place is going to get real wierd.

Bottom line is life is not fair. I have to pay to educate other people's children. I do not have any. I pay more than three times the income tax that it costs per person in this country to run the government. When these things are taken care of maybe I will go along with your thinking. I do wear my seatbelt. I resent being told I have to by our idiot government.

[waverna]

The fact that 'we all pay' isn't a liberty problem, its a socialism problem.
The gov't creates a system in which everyone pays for others, then enacts laws to protect us from ourselves/eachother.

[gorush]

If the crux of your argument is that medical costs shouldn't be spread around so that the destitute and uninsured aren't treated, I couldn't agree more. Socialism trumps freedom where ever it is practiced.